Artist: Beehler
Title: Messages to the Dead
Type: Album
Label: High Roller Records

If you know a thing or two about speed metal you would know that Dan Beehler was part of the classic Exciter line up, and a previous incarnation of this band Beehler also featured the other third of that line up, guitarist Alan Johnson. Johnson has long since departed these ranks, so Beehler is formed with new musicians (both current guitarists have appeared on Annihilator albums in the past too on backing vocals), whilst bassist Brian Stephenson also plays in the thrash band Aggressor. Canada is an overlooked country when it comes to speed metal and thrash metal, I have always thought this, but when someone like Beehler comes back into the scene, you need to take note, I myself have high expectations for this release! Therefore, it is with great regret that I have to report a hit and miss effort. The faster tracks really do cut the mustard, they are vibrant, heavy and soul ripping, but as for some of the slower efforts or sections within the up tempo stuff, I think there is a lack of clarity, or a lack of direction, the songs just simply don’t sound as if they are going anywhere and the vocals become annoying in places.

Out of the aforementioned faster numbers, opener ‘Jet Black’ takes you to old territory and gives the impression of good things to come. ‘Kill the Witch’ has a groove to it and some epic guitar riffs here and there, with a slower tempo throughout, this works, it is the changes between legendary speed metal punches and breakdowns, although I have no idea what the closing line to the original planet of the apes movie has to do with this lyric in the song. ‘Organized Mayhem’ describes the album perfectly; it is that, it’s too organized. I suppose, if it were all speedier than the fastest guitars on earth then people would have accused Beehler of being copycat or less original, so I cannot have it both ways but I just feel that there is something missing, even on what I think is a stunning track, ‘Eternal Tormentor’.

Although this is a welcomed return from this musical legend, I feel a little bit let down by this effort, sometimes I guess you should leave your expectations in the past and enjoy an artist’s previous works rather than hoping you are going to feel the same as what you did 25 years ago, although reading some articles about this band, the next studio effort is making its way towards shattering my comments above.

http://www.beehlermetal.com

Paul Maddison

MTUK HOME